Taking a look at the Houston Astros injury report ahead of their series opener against the Seattle Mariners.
The Houston Astros must respond quickly as they now sit in second in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers after being swept 3-0 by the Atlanta Braves in their previous series.
With just six games left to go, the series opener tonight against the Seattle Mariners will be critical for the Astros, and something potentially just as important is the health of the Houston roster, especially with the regular season quickly coming to an end.
With that in mind, let's take a look at the Astros' injury report heading into the series opener against the Mariners.
First up is right-handed pitcher Enyel De Los Santos, who is dealing with right knee tendinitis. As a result of the injury, Santos was placed on the 15-day IL on September 19th.
As far as Santos' timetable goes, there is a possibility he could return for the playoffs, but nothing is certain. could possibly return for the postseason. The injury happened during Santos' throwing program, and it is behind his right leg/hamstring area. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Santos progresses and if he can return for the postseason.
Next is right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows, who is working through with right elbow neuritis as well as right shoulder inflammation. Based on Burrows' injury, he was placed on the 15-day IL on July 13th, which is retroactive to July 7th.
In terms of Burrows' timetable it is still to be determined. However, Burrows did play well for Triple-A Sugar Land on September 19th as he threw two scoreless, innings, allowed four hits, and walked two batters. Additionally, the latest update on September 20th noted that Burrows will not be on the final road trip of the season. So, it will be worth monitoring how the Astros manage Burrows if they are able to get into the postseason.
The third player on this injury report is left-handed pitcher Steven Okert who is battling a right hamstring strain. The injury placed Okert on the 15-day IL on September 4th, which is retroactive to September 1st.
At this point, the expected return for Okert is the playoffs, as the latest update on September 19th stated that he will miss the rest of the regular season but could return at some point in the postseason. With that said, it will be interesting to see if Okert can get back in the lineup if the Astros are able to make it to the postseason.
Next is shortstop Carlos Correa who is still recovering from the surgery he had done to repair the torn peroneus brevis tendon in his left ankle. Correa was injured on May 5th and got surgery on May 11th, which resulted him being placed on the IL on May 6th and then being moved to the 60-day IL on June 2nd.
Throughout the season, the expectation was that Correa would return in 2026, but his expected return is 2027. The main reason for that is Correa was rehabbing at the team's facility in West Palm Beach, Florida and then on September 15th he decided to not push for a return this season and instead focus on returning in 2027. With that, it will be interesting to watch how Correa progresses heading into next season.
The final player on this injury report is left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter, who is still recovering from the Tommy John surgery he had on September 23rd, 2025, to repair the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. As a result, Walter was placed on 60-day IL on March 25th and will miss the rest of this season, but should be back in 2027 to provide depth on the mound.
It is also important to note that the Astros did reinstate outfielder and infielder Brice Matthews from 60-day IL on September 19th. That then allowed Matthews to be back in lineup on September 20th against the Braves.
In that game, Matthews had four at-bats, and in those opportunities he had one hit, struck out twice, and posted a batting average of .198. Heading into the final few games of the regular season, it will be interesting to see how Matthews progresses and if he can get in a rhythm and be a difference-maker for the Astros at the plate.
As the Astros prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, it will be interesting to see if Houston can not only get into the postseason but also get healthy, and in particular if Santos, Burrows, Okert, and Matthews provide depth across the board. Additionally, it will be intriguing to watch how Correa and Walter progress heading into next season.
